One of the hardest things to deal with when it comes to digital photography is the LCD screen on the back of the camera. This becomes even harder to deal with when that is the only thing you have to use for framing your shot. More and more point and shoot cameras are shipping with LCDs only, no optical view finders, many don't even have an EVF (electronic view finder) while basically a small LCD your eye and face block out light making it easy to see. But, even cameras that have an optical view finder including dSLR cameras still have LCD screens that can be near impossible to see in daylight. While you may not need the LCD for framing your shot you still need to for shot review, menu usage and the like.

Basically, the LCD screen is one of the top 5 most important things on your digital camera. Until someone can design an LCD screen or a coating or something for them that allows them to be seen as clearly in daylight as in the shade, indoors or in the dark we have to figure out something else.

The best option that I have found outside of only taking pictures in the shade or in the dark, which does limit your photo taking opportunities is Hoodman's HoodLoupe Professional. This handy little device allows you to view your LCD screen in total darkness so that all that you see is the LCD screen and what is being displayed on it.

The HoodLoupe works by placing the large end up against your LCD screen blocking out the light. You then look through the eye piece to see the screen. The eye piece has +/- 3 diopter adjustment so that you can see the screen clearly and sharp. To make carrying the HoodLoupe easy and to make sure that it is always at the ready it comes with a lanyard so you can carry it around your neck and when you don't need it, it comes with a nice little zippered storage bag.

Now I am sure a concern is will this or can this scratch my screen? No it can't both the end that you press against the LCD screen as well as the part you press to your eye is soft, flexible rubber that is just as comfortable for your camera as it is you.

Finally, any LCD screen can be seen in the brightest day light, and you don't have to attach something to your camera with glue or double-sided tape. Because you only use it when you need it, it doesn't get in the way. In my book this is the perfect solution to those hard to see LCD screens.

I have also found it helpful as a framing device. Instead of holding it up to your camera just place it to your eye and use it to frame your shots, this is great for pre-shot visualization. Because it has generally the dimension ratio as the picture you are going to take it works very well. You can also turn it vertical for testing out vertical framing ideas. While this at first thought may not seem like a useful thing, you can of course use your camera for the same thing. However, if your new to photography this can be a good learning tool. Simply carry the HoodLoupe with you and practice framing and looking at things from different angles. Framing and shooting angles are one thing that can really improve your photographs, this light weight little device is an easy way to do this on the go.

The HoodLoupe is a high quality device, it is easy to use and it really works well. I highly recommend it no matter what type of camera you have. Until LCD screens can be used in daylight this is your only real option. At a cost of $69.99 or less from some online retailers it is a worthy investment.